13 Days Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Cruise, and Bahariya Trip

Evening Activity Nile Dinner Cruise

Experience an enchanting evening aboard a Nile dinner cruise, where exquisite cuisine meets vibrant Egyptian performances against the backdrop of Cairo's glittering skyline. This unforgettable journey seamlessly blends culture, culinary delights, and breathtaking views, promising a night filled with lasting memories.

The Great Giza Pyramids

Discover the timeless majesty of the Pyramids of Giza, iconic symbols of ancient Egypt’s brilliance. The Great Pyramid of Khufu, built around 2560 BCE, was the tallest man-made structure on Earth for 3,800 years. Nearby, the Pyramid of Khafre stands in splendor, guarded by the Great Sphinx, while the smaller Pyramid of Menkaure highlights ancient engineering. Over 4,500 years later, these monuments continue to captivate the world, offering a glimpse into one of history’s greatest civilizations.

The Valley Temple

Explore the Valley Temple of Pharaoh Khafre, part of his grand funerary complex, which includes the Pyramid of Khafre and the Great Sphinx of Giza. Built around 2570 BCE during Egypt’s Old Kingdom, this temple showcases remarkable craftsmanship, blending limestone and granite with precision. Designed for rituals preparing the pharaoh for the afterlife, it reflects both spiritual and architectural brilliance. Connected to the Great Sphinx, standing guard over the Giza Plateau, the Valley Temple symbolizes Egypt's ingenuity and rich heritage.

The Sphinx

The Great Sphinx of Giza, constructed around 2,500 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Khafre, remains one of the most iconic monuments in history. With the body of a lion and the head of a human, it is thought to symbolize a guardian protecting the Giza pyramid complex. Despite centuries of weathering and damage, the structure was partially restored by Pharaoh Thutmose IV, who famously placed the "Dream Stele" between its colossal paws. Rediscovered in 1817, this enigmatic masterpiece continues to captivate the world, standing as a powerful testament to the brilliance of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and inspiring awe in all who behold it.

Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM)

After lunch, step into history at the Grand Egyptian Museum, a breathtaking architectural masterpiece near the iconic Great Pyramids of Giza. Opened in 2024, this cutting-edge museum boasts a collection of over 100,000 artifacts, celebrating Egypt's remarkable 5,000-year heritage. Marvel at the treasures of King Tutankhamun, including his legendary golden death mask, and delve into the captivating history of the Great Pyramid, built around 2560 BCE during King Khufu’s reign. Offering an immersive journey through one of humanity's most extraordinary civilizations, the museum brings the splendor of ancient Egypt to life like never before.

Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa

The first stop on your tour of Alexandria is the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, an incredible underground burial site from the 2nd century AD during the Roman period. This ancient necropolis was likely built for a wealthy family and later expanded into a larger burial site. As you descend into its depths, you’ll discover a maze of tunnels, chambers, and tombs featuring a unique mix of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman art styles. These carvings and decorations reflect the cultural blending of the time, making it one of the most fascinating historical sites in Alexandria.

Pompey's Pillar

Next, visit one of Alexandria’s most famous landmarks, Pompey’s Pillar. This massive granite column, standing over 25 meters tall, was built in 297 AD to honor the Roman Emperor Diocletian. It is made from red Aswan granite and is the largest ancient monolithic column in the world. The name "Pompey’s Pillar" is misleading as it has no connection to the Roman general Pompey. Take some time to admire this incredible piece of history and learn more about its significance and the era it was built from your guide.

Qaitbay Citadel

Next on your itinerary is the Qaitbay Citadel, a remarkable fortress built in 1477 by Sultan Al-Ashraf Sayf al-Din Qaitbay. It was constructed on the exact site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, which was destroyed by earthquakes between the 11th and 14th centuries. This fortress was designed to protect Alexandria from invasions and played a key role in defending Egypt’s coast. Explore its impressive architecture and enjoy stunning views of the Mediterranean while learning about its important role in history.

Bibliotheca Alexandria

Your tour continues with a visit to the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, a modern tribute to the ancient Library of Alexandria, one of the most famous libraries in history. The original library, built around 300 BCE during the reign of Pharaoh Ptolemy II, was a center of learning and culture in the ancient world, attracting scholars like Euclid and Archimedes. The modern building, opened in 2002, honors this legacy with its stunning design and vast collection. Inside, you can see ancient manuscripts, rare books, and artifacts that highlight the library's role in preserving knowledge through the centuries.

Luxor Temple

Begin your tour at the Luxor Temple, a magnificent ancient structure built around 1400 BCE during the New Kingdom of Egypt. It was constructed primarily under the reign of Pharaoh Amenhotep III and later expanded by Ramses II. This temple was once linked to the nearby Karnak Temple by the Avenue of Sphinxes, a 2.7-kilometer road lined with hundreds of sphinx statues. As you explore, you'll see stunning carvings and massive columns that showcase the incredible craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian builders.

Karnak Temple

Next, visit Karnak Temple, one of the most important religious sites in ancient Egypt, built over 2,000 years. Construction began during the Middle Kingdom (around 2000 BCE) and continued through the New Kingdom, with pharaohs like Thutmose III, Hatshepsut, and Ramses II adding to its grandeur. Walk through the incredible Great Hypostyle Hall, built by Seti I and Ramses II around 1290 BCE, and admire its 134 massive columns covered in hieroglyphs. Explore other parts of this vast temple complex, dedicated primarily to Amun-Ra, the king of the gods.

Check into your Cruise

After your tour, check into your Nile River cruise and relax as you sail. Enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way and take advantage of the onboard amenities to make your journey even more comfortable.

Valley of the Kings

Visit the famous Valley of the Kings, the burial site of ancient Egyptian pharaohs from the New Kingdom period (1550–1070 BCE). This incredible site in Luxor is home to over 60 tombs, including those of famous rulers like Tutankhamun, Ramses II, and Seti I. These tombs were built to honor the pharaohs and protect their treasures for the afterlife. Marvel at the detailed hieroglyphics, colorful wall paintings, and remarkable architecture that have survived for thousands of years, offering a glimpse into Egypt's rich history and beliefs.

Hatshepsut Temple

Next, explore the magnificent Hatshepsut Temple, one of the best-preserved ancient sites in Egypt. This temple was built around 1479–1458 BCE during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the few and most powerful female pharaohs in Egyptian history. As you walk through this stunning structure, built into the cliffs at Deir el-Bahari, you’ll learn about her remarkable rule in the 18th Dynasty and her efforts to expand Egypt through trade and impressive architecture.

Colossi of Memnon

Finally, visit the Colossi of Memnon, two giant stone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, who ruled Egypt during the 18th Dynasty (around 1390–1353 BC). These statues once stood at the entrance of Amenhotep’s grand mortuary temple, which was one of the largest temples in ancient Egypt but is mostly ruined today. Learn about the importance of these statues, which have stood for over 3,000 years, and the legends surrounding them before heading back to your cruise for lunch.

Edfu Temple

Explore the stunning Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. This well-preserved temple is one of the best examples of ancient Egyptian architecture and contains intricate carvings and impressive hieroglyphics.

Kom Ombo Temple

After visiting Edfu, continue your cruise to Kom Ombo, where you will visit the unique double temple dedicated to both Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus.

Abu Simbel Temples 

These Temples are a UNESCO World Heritage site and considered one of the most impressive ancient monuments in Egypt. Built by King Ramses II, these temples were created to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. As you approach the temples, marvel at their grandeur and intricate carvings, including four massive statues of Ramses II himself. Your tour guide will provide insight into the history and significance of each temple as you explore their inner chambers.

Aswan High Dam

Your first stop of the day will be the Aswan High Dam, a remarkable engineering project completed in 1970 under the leadership of Egyptian President Gamal Abdel Nasser. Built to control the flow of the Nile River, the dam helps prevent flooding, provides irrigation for farming, and generates hydroelectric power. It also created Lake Nasser, one of the largest man-made reservoirs in the world.

Unfinished Obelisk

Next, you will visit the Unfinished Obelisk, an incredible ancient monument in Aswan, Egypt. It was commissioned during the reign of Queen Hatshepsut around 1500 BCE but was abandoned when cracks appeared in the granite. If completed, it would have stood at 42 meters tall and weighed over 1,000 tons, making it the largest obelisk ever attempted. Imagine the skilled workers of ancient Egypt who toiled for years using simple tools to carve this massive structure from the bedrock.

Philae Temple

Afterwards, you will take a short boat ride to Philae Temple, a stunning site dedicated to the goddess Isis, an important figure in ancient Egyptian mythology. Originally built during the 4th century BC in the reign of Nectanebo I, the temple was later expanded by the Ptolemies and Romans. Philae became a center for the worship of Isis, and rituals were performed there for centuries. Your guide will share more about its history, including how it was relocated to its current location on Agilkia Island in the 1960s to save it from flooding caused by the Aswan High Dam.

Salah El Din Citadel

Discover the rich history of the Salah El Din Citadel, a majestic fortress built in 1176 by Sultan Saladin to defend Egypt against the Crusaders. For over 700 years, this iconic stronghold stood as the heart of Egypt’s leadership, spanning the Ayyubid, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. Stroll through its historic grounds and marvel at sweeping views of Cairo from the Mosque of Muhammad Ali, a 19th-century masterpiece of architecture. Immerse yourself in Egypt’s royal heritage at the Royal Chariots Museum and the elegant Gawhara Palace, both established during the reign of Muhammad Ali. Finally, step into the captivating wax museum to relive the grandeur and stories of Egypt’s past.

Muhammad Ali Mosque 

This mosque is a breathtaking masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, celebrated for its radiant white marble walls and towering minarets. Built between 1830 and 1848 under the patronage of Muhammad Ali Pasha, it stands as a symbol of Egypt's transformative era of modernization during his rule. Inside, visitors are greeted with intricate designs and stunning artwork, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship and artistic brilliance of the period.

Sultan Hassan Mosque

Next on your itinerary is the magnificent Sultan Hassan Madrassa-Mosque, a true masterpiece of Mamluk architecture built between 1356 and 1363 during the reign of Sultan Hassan. This grand complex was designed as both a mosque and an Islamic school (madrassa) for students of the four schools of Sunni thought. Its towering arches, detailed stone carvings, and spacious central courtyard showcase the incredible craftsmanship of the Mamluk period. As you explore its halls and chambers, you’ll step into the rich history of 14th-century Cairo and the golden age of Islamic art and culture.

Al Rifai Mosque

The Al Rifai Mosque is a must-see architectural masterpiece in Cairo. Built between 1869 and 1912, it was commissioned by Khoshiar Hanim, the mother of Khedive Ismail, as a place to honor her family and serve as a royal mausoleum. The mosque showcases a beautiful mix of Ottoman and Mamluk styles, with its grand domes, tall minarets, and intricately designed façade. It is also the final resting place of several notable figures, including King Farouk of Egypt and the last Shah of Iran, Reza Shah Pahlavi. This landmark is a symbol of Egypt's rich history and architectural heritage.

Bahariya Oasis

The journey from Cairo to the Bahariya Oasis takes around 4 to 5 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll transition to 4x4 vehicles, perfect for exploring the stunning desert landscapes. The Bahariya Oasis is known for its lush palm trees, natural springs, and unique landscape that includes the Black & White Deserts.

The Black Desert

Your first stop in the Western Desert is the Black Desert, an area covered in black volcanic rocks formed by ancient eruptions. These dark rocks contrast beautifully with the golden desert sands. Located near Bahariya Oasis, a region inhabited since the Pharaonic era, the Black Desert offers a chance to climb black hills like Gebel al-Ingleez (English Mountain), used as a lookout by a British officer in World War I. From the top, enjoy stunning views of the vast desert.

The Crystal Mountain

Next, you’ll visit Crystal Mountain, a natural wonder famous for its sparkling crystalized rock formations. This site, located in Egypt's Western Desert, was formed millions of years ago when limestone and quartz fused under high pressure. Crystal Mountain is often considered a geological treasure and is thought to date back to the Eocene period. You’ll have time to explore and capture photos of this unique landmark before continuing to your next destination.

The White Desert

Dinner 

The Bahariya Oasis is home to the famous White Desert, known for its incredible white limestone formations that look like they belong on another planet. These formations were created millions of years ago when the area was covered by a vast sea. Over time, wind and sand shaped the rocks into the unique shapes we see today. The White Desert became a protected area in 2002 and has since become a popular destination for visitors. You can explore this fascinating landscape on foot or simply enjoy its beauty from a distance.

To truly experience the beauty of the Western Desert, spend a night camping under the stars in the White Desert. With no light pollution, you'll be able to see the stars in all their glory and feel immersed in the peacefulness of the desert.

The Museum of the Golden Mummies

After breakfast, visit the nearby town of Bawiti to explore the remarkable Museum of the Golden Mummies. This museum showcases over 100 mummies from the Greco-Roman period, which lasted from 332 BCE to 395 CE. These mummies are beautifully decorated with gold and provide a unique glimpse into ancient Egyptian burial practices. Learn about how Egyptians believed in the afterlife and preserved bodies through mummification, and see the incredible craftsmanship that has kept these mummies intact for thousands of years.

The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization (NMEC) 

Discover the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, showcasing 7,000 years of Egypt’s history. This remarkable museum features artifacts from prehistoric times to the modern era, highlighting the Pharaonic, Greco-Roman, Coptic, and Islamic periods. Its standout exhibits include the royal mummies of Ramses II and Seti I, offering a rare glimpse into ancient royalty. Opened in 2021, the museum has become one of Egypt’s top cultural landmarks. With an expert guide, explore the fascinating stories behind these historic relics as history comes to life.

The Hanging Church

After lunch, you will visit the Hanging Church, also known as the Church of the Virgin Mary, one of Cairo’s oldest churches and a significant symbol of Egypt’s Coptic Christian history. Built around 690 AD atop the gates of a Roman fortress called Babylon, the church is uniquely suspended above the ancient fortress towers, which inspired its name. Inside, you’ll discover beautiful wooden carvings, colorful frescoes, stunning icons, and relics linked to saints like St. George and St. Barbara. Restored many times over the years, the Hanging Church remains a vital site for Coptic Christians, reflecting their enduring faith and rich history in Egypt.

Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque

The Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque, built in 641 AD, holds the distinction of being Egypt’s first mosque and one of the oldest in Africa. Commissioned by Amr Ibn Al Aas, the Arab conqueror who founded Fustat, the precursor to modern-day Cairo, it stands as a profound symbol of history and faith. Despite its understated design, the mosque radiates a timeless elegance, reflecting its deep spiritual significance. Visitors are drawn to its serene atmosphere, the intricate beauty of its calligraphy, and the graceful geometric patterns that offer a glimpse into a rich and sacred heritage.

The Ben Ezra Synagogue

After visiting the Amr Ibn Al Aas Mosque, your guide will take you to the historic Ben Ezra Synagogue, one of Egypt’s most cherished landmarks. Dating back to the 9th century, this site is traditionally believed to be where the Pharaoh’s daughter found baby Moses, as described in the Bible. Named after Ezra the Scribe, a key figure in Jewish history, Ben Ezra captivates visitors with its stained glass windows and mosaics. In 1896, it gained fame with the discovery of the Cairo Geniza, over 300,000 Jewish manuscript fragments offering insights into medieval Jewish life.

Al Muizz Street

Discover the vibrant charm of Cairo as your guide leads you to Al Muizz Street, a historic gem and one of the city’s most beautifully preserved landmarks. This ancient avenue, adorned with stunning examples of Islamic architecture, offers a mesmerizing window into Egypt’s rich history. As you stroll, your guide will bring the street’s past to life with vivid stories and intriguing anecdotes. From magnificent mosques to bustling traditional markets, Al Muizz Street invites you to immerse yourself in the essence of Egypt’s culture and heritage on an unforgettable journey.

Khan El-Khalili Bazaar

Conclude your Cairo adventure with a visit to the legendary Khan el-Khalili Bazaar, a living testament to history and culture. Established in the 14th century, this bustling marketplace has served as a vibrant gathering place for locals and travelers alike for centuries. Immerse yourself in its maze of lively alleys, where traditional crafts, aromatic spices, and one-of-a-kind treasures come together to create an unforgettable experience. It’s the perfect spot to embrace Cairo’s rich heritage and dynamic energy.

Check out

We simplify the hotel checkout process, making it seamless and stress-free. Depart with ease, leaving you free to savor your memories without any unnecessary hassle.

Departure

As your 13 Days Cairo, Alexandria, Nile Cruise, and Bahariya Trip comes to a close, we’ll ensure a smooth and hassle-free departure. Our team will take care of your airport transfer, allowing you to focus on the memories you’ve made. From beginning to end, our goal has been to create a seamless and unforgettable experience. Wishing you safe travels, and we look forward to welcoming you back for future adventures!